The Backup Plan August 2013

Top Five Things To Do In New York City

New York City is a place like no other.   There certainly exists other cities in the world that come close to the size and scope of NYC, but really there is nothing quite like it.  To a tourist or non-native New Yorker it can be overwhelming, tons of people, lots of noise and something extraordinary or down right crazy going on no matter what direction you turn.   Crazy cab drivers, packed subways and streets teeming with people can cause one not familiar with such population density to want to run back to the hills and valleys.  That is why we have come up with a comprehensive guide for the top 5 things to do when you’re in the big apple.

1)   Art Museums.  Were kind of cheating on this one because this entry includes two venues, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) and The Modern Museum of Art (MoMA).  The Met is not to be missed.  The Metropolitan Museum of Art is incredible; it has been around since 1866 and offers exhibits of classic and modern art from around the world.   The MoMA is a bit more specialized and new age then its older sister and exhibits primarily expressions of modern art.  Both have a very affordable entry free (they ask only for a donation), both offer classes and educational seminars and both are among the most important attractions for any visitor to NYC.

2)   Central Park encompasses 843 acres of verdant flora right in the center of Manhattan.  Sculptures and castles, hills, parks fountains and all types of beautiful ascetics comprise this meticulously maintained preserve.  Check out Strawberry Fields and the Imagine Mosaic, a tribute to the late John Lennon, or stop in at Sarabeth’s Central Park South for incredible confectionary creations you would be hard pressed to find anywhere else.

3)   The Empire State Building.  350 5^th avenue is the home to one of the most impressive man made creations on the planet; The Empire State Building.  Standing over a quarter mile high the Empire State building is arguably the world’s most famous office building.  It was opened to the public in 1931 and has since seen millions of people walk through her doors.  The observatories located on the 86^th and 102^nd floor of this monument offer unmatched views of NYC and on clear days one car even see as far as Connecticut and New Jersey.  These lofty perches stay open 365 days a year rain or shine.

4)   The West Village is a timeless neighborhood virtually unchanged since the 19^th century.  A quaint labyrinth of brownstones and specialty shops punctuated with lively bars and quirky eateries comprise the neighborhood known as the West Village.  The color and culture one can experience in this beautiful and vibrant area is un-matched anywhere in the world.  Check out famous landmarks and world-renowned restaurant or just grab a cup of coffee on a sidewalk café and enjoy the various characters that call the West Village home.

5)   Our final spot is reserved for New York nightlife in general.  NYC is the city that never sleeps and while one may hear that phrase and assume exaggeration, generalization or embellishment this city is truly alive 24/7/365 without exception.  At any hour on any day one can find a lively nightclub or any number of restaurants or eateries serving a plethora of culinary excellence.  The venues are far too numerous and diverse to even begin to list, but it can confidently be said that there is something for everyone.  Perhaps in the near future a top 5 nightclubs or restaurants guide will be put together but for now just close your eyes point and pick.

All Star Limousine is a Long Island, New York based company with an extensive global reach; we provide expert Wedding, Special Event and Executive Travel services throughout the Tri-State area and the world. We have over 30 years of experience in the travel industry; our attention to detail, 2013 top-of-the-line vehicles and professional trained Chauffeurs set us apart from the rest!

by Jarrad Kulick

Republic Airport occupies 526 acres in East Farmingdale and began operation nearly a century ago in the spring of 1928.  Originally it was used as a testing ground for new aircraft built by local manufactures such as Grumman and Seversky.  It was not until 1965 that the airport became a general aviation airport when the Farmingdale Corporation purchased it.

Today Farmingdale’s Republic Airport boasts a $139 million impact to Nassau and Suffolk Counties each year.  It is most well known for its appeal to traveling executives and corporate clientele.   To these business travelers time is money and the last thing these busy people have time to do is find a good restaurant.  So in the interest of expeditiousness here are three Zagat rated restaurants near Farmingdale’s Republic Airport.

Franks Steak’s is located just over ten miles, at Jericho turnpike in Jericho NY, South West of Republic Airport and has been Zagat rated since 1988.  Zagat survey says Franks has “The best skirt steak on earth.”  A bold statement but it is not far from the truth.  Franks steaks serves only prime aged beef and surpasses the highest standards in the industry.   Franks is no mere steak house and has a large and varied menu that includes chops, chicken, salads and seafood.

Ariana Restaurant is located just under ten miles from Republic Airport, in the township of Huntington, and even after scouring the internet I could not find one negative thing said about this truly unique establishment.  Offering fine Afghan and Vegan cuisine for over 18 years Zagat claims “Araina is Long Island’s best kept vegan secret.”  The food and seasoning in this establishment is incredible and like nothing I have ever tasted before.  Everything I have had the pleasure of trying has been delicious, to the point where when I return I am hesitant to try anything new because I have so enjoyed the previous meals.  This is another fine choice by Zagat and a great selection for any traveling executive.

All Star Limousine is a Long Island, New York based company with an extensive global reach; we provide expert Wedding, Special Event and Executive Travel services throughout the Tri-State area and the world. We have over 30 years of experience in the travel industry; our attention to detail, 2013 top-of-the-line vehicles and professional trained Chauffeurs set us apart from the rest!

by Jarrad Kulick

Emotional Intelligence

Have you ever heard the term “emotional intelligence”?  The general interpretation of the phrase is having empathy or being empathic, in other words the ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes.  The technical interpretation is the ability to perceive, control and evaluate emotions.  Peter Savoy and John D Mayer, the leading experts on emotional intelligence define it as “The subset of social intelligence that involves the ability to monitor one's own and others' feelings and emotions, to discriminate among them and to use this information to guide one's thinking and actions".   Many of us may say, well of course I can imagine the situation from another’s perspective, of course I understand where your coming from, but the reality is although many of us think we can only very few of us actually do.

In addition to intelligence, charisma and other more traditional leadership skills emotional intellect is becoming increasingly popular as a necessary trait for a boss or manager to possess.  To some this may be obvious, but others may think why do I need to see thru someone else’s eyes if I’m the one in charge?  Well the statement from the later is a big problem, and it is a problem being recognized by more and more business owners.  Recent studies show that offices led by individuals with a high emotional intellect are as much as 20% more effective then those that aren’t.  These same studies also show that these offices that are led by those with a low emotional intelligence score (or EI score) had a higher employee turnover rate and in general less job satisfaction from existing employees.  This is a huge deal, what business owner wouldn’t want to increase productivity, what CEO doesn’t want to see an increase in employee satisfaction or a decrease in employee turnover rate.

What this all equates to is simply a new corporate standard.  A new manner of dealing with and addressing problems in the work place.  Gone are the days of yelling and screaming and dealing with executive tyrants whose motto was “my way or the highway”.  Those methods no longer work (if they ever even worked at all).  A new age is upon us, an age of psychological, philosophical and emotional enlightenment, where the thoughts and feelings of others aside from our selves play a very real and very active role in daily decision making.  This may sound a bit frightening to some but it is absolutely the right direction for us as human beings to heading in.

All Star Limousine is a Long Island, New York based company with an extensive global reach; we provide expert Wedding, Special Event and Executive Travel services throughout the Tri-State area and the world. We have over 30 years of experience in the travel industry; our attention to detail, 2013 top-of-the-line vehicles and professional trained Chauffeurs set us apart from the rest!

by Jarrad Kulick

Air and Ground Travel

Traveling can be stressful and frustrating especially when it involves both air and ground logistics.   Factor in a high traffic area or HUB like New York’s John F Kennedy International, Los Angeles' LAX or Chicago’s O’Hare and now your really talking headaches.  Los Angeles boasts the worst traffic in the country and New York is not far behind, while statistically one third of the flights out of O’Hare are delayed or off schedule.  That is why hiring an executive car service or Limousine Company can alleviate much of that stress.

Corporate travel is hard enough with all the delays traffic and distractions.  Let us do the worrying for you at All Star Limousine Worldwide.  An International executive car service will use real time GPS and flight tracking systems so the hassle of traffic and those all too often airport delays is severely mitigated.   A limousine company will do all the monitoring for you as well as provide you with a brand new clean vehicle equipped with all the latest technologies and amenities.  You don’t have to worry about traffic and loading the car or about those ridiculous parking fees.  Unlike a black car service or a yellow cab a professionally trained chauffeur will act as a porter and greeter in addition to being a first class driver.

With a company like All Star Limousine Worldwide we can cover you on both ends.  We can take you to JFK and then pick you up when you land at LAX, in fact international corporate service is our specialty.  Our 24/7/365 dispatch team is always available (no exceptions) and their support combined with the expertise of our extensively trained chauffeur’s and the latest model vehicles and technologies equals a worry free and enjoyable travel experience.  We are on time every time and everywhere and we never say no at All Star Limousine Worldwide.

All Star Limousine is a Long Island, New York based company with an extensive global reach; we provide expert Wedding, Special Event and Executive Travel services throughout the Tri-State area and the world. We have over 30 years of experience in the travel industry; our attention to detail, 2013 top-of-the-line vehicles and professional trained Chauffeurs set us apart from the rest!

by Jarrad Kulick

The Best of Long Island

What does it mean to be the best of Long Island?  For 9 years the Long Island Press has been awarding business across Long Island with the prestigious title “The Best of Long Island”.  The nominees and winners are chosen by you the people, those who use the services and those that live on Long Island are the ones who decide whose the best in their relative field or industry.

This is far more then just some prestigious title to be won.  The best of long island was not established so that one company can rub the honors in the face of their competitors.  Yes the award and the plaque looks great in the office.  Yes it is a very nice proverbial pat on the back.  More then all of that however the real value of these awards is for the consumers.   The winners of Long Island’s Best are showcased throughout the year and the honor continues to follow that company for as long as they are in business.  This is relevant because when searching for a reputable company or service Long Islands best becomes an invaluable tool.  Anyone can go to the BoLI website or The Long Island Press website and look for this years, or previous years, winners.

Just like Yelp or any other review based directory The Best of Long Island is designed to benefit potential consumers when they are investigating the possibility of using a new company.  What is nice about BoLI is that it is 100% transparent.  In other words the winners are chosen very simply and with no bias.  People nominate, and then people vote.  The more nominations and the more votes you get the better your chances are of winning, simple.  So this year be sure to take your selections for Best of Long Island seriously because it is done for the people by the people and your opinions and voices are valuable and deserve to be heard.

All Star Limousine is a Long Island, New York based company with an extensive global reach; we provide expert Wedding, Special Event and Executive Travel services throughout the Tri-State area and the world. We have over 30 years of experience in the travel industry; our attention to detail, 2013 top-of-the-line vehicles and professional trained Chauffeurs set us apart from the rest!

by Jarrad Kulick